Another episode in the Wrexford and Sloane series.
All of the characters have great chemistry. The weasels are too funny.
Full of mystery and suspense.

Weakest entry in the series, the mystery wasn’t interesting and not the least bit thrilling. This was overwritten and repetitive, as well as trite. The continued use of the same descriptors for the characters and situations implies the author has a limited vocabulary, and I just got tired of the two main characters constantly pointing out how different they are even through they obviously are nearly the same person in most ways. I like this series, but this didn’t work very well for me.

“Steady?” Wrexford couldn’t hold back a mocking laugh. “I’m the mercurial Moon – the cover of darkness hides a multitude of sins. While you’re the Sun, who’s not afraid to shine your light on every shadow, no matter how terrifying!”

Since devouring the first three Wrexford and Sloane novels over a very lazy Christmas break, I’ve been hungry for more – not just for the well-constructed mysteries, but for the evolving relationship between the two main characters. Coming into book four I was so keen to see this develop further – and reader, without giving too much away, let me say I wasn’t disappointed!

The plot centres on the mysterious absence of Lady Cordelia, friend of Kit Sheffield and mathematical genius, who may or may not be complicit in a nefarious plot involving the uppermost echelons of the early 19th century mercantile elite. The introduction of another well-known institution (no spoilers!) and emerging technological advances of the day form part of a brilliantly described, rich environment, and provides the context for a truly formidable opponent.

Charlotte and Wrexford weave together the worlds of art and science in the age of Enlightenment. We are granted an ‘in’ to the Royal Society through the forensic, scientific Earl; whilst 18th century satire is illuminated through the work of Charlotte’s work as AJ Quill, a James Gillray or William Hogarth type who eviscerates the upper echelons of society through her cartoons.

Penrose does a fantastic job of capturing the Regency zeitgeist – piloting her readers through the interplay of scientific discovery, the upper classes, the growing power of trade, and the less salubrious underworld that existed in parts of London.

As a woman surviving in a man’s world, Charlotte is complex, considered, and fierce in protecting those she loves. It was wonderful in this instalment to see the consolidation of her circle of new friends, collected over the previous three novels. Not forgetting, of course, the two most mischievous weasels (sorry, characters) – Raven and Hawk. Seeing them grow older and straddle two worlds is one of the joys of this book, and their misadventures add some great moments of humour.

Underpinning it all, however, is a fantastic Regency detective romp which is a delight to read. Is it too soon to be excited for no. 5?

AR X